Research Projects

The utilization of materials which exhibit multifunctional properties near and above room temperature is a fast evolving research area to cater the future technological needs. Recently emerging research on magneto-thermoelectric phenomena is of topical interest. In particular, an efficient exploitation of conversion among charge, spin and heat currents is currently being investigated as advanced by characterization of thermo-spin conversion phenomenon i.e. spin Seebeck effect. In particular, the spin degrees of freedom in addition to the lattice and electronic degrees of freedom in magnetic materials is advantageous for multifunctional magneto-thermoelectric and magnetocaloric technologies. The magneto-thermoelectric mechanism mainly depends on the strong correlation and cooperative phenomena of thermal and spin degrees of freedom in a material. The goal of the current proposal is to synthesize, characterize and to determine the magneto-thermoelectric and magnetic refrigeration character for near and above room temperature applications. A systematic investigation of magnetic, electrical and thermal transport, magneto-thermoelectric and magnetocaloric effect properties of certain Heusler magnetic materials will be carried out. Lastly, the usage of these materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding purpose in military and aerospace will be tested.